Public Speaking 101
I am one of those people, yep, one of those that can stand up and talk forever in front of one person or 500 people. I feel comfortable. I always have.
Over the years, my heart has hurt for the other people; the people who are nervous or scared to get up in front of others. Watching as they stumble through talking about information they really know, but just can’t seem to get it out.
So, if your stomach quivers, your hands sweat, you feel a lump in your throat or just feel weak knees keep reading, this may help you.
1. Confidence – how do you get it
The most important thing you can do is be prepared. Never wait until the last minute to present anything. Confidence comes from knowledge. If you know the material, become a specialist in the material- you will have confidence. Remember you are selling the material, selling yourself or selling an idea you need to know what you are selling.
The only difference between talking to one person or talking to a million – more questions. You have to know your material, and know it well. You never know what questions will be asked. Think about when you talk to a friend about your car, you know your car – being questioned about it doesn’t stump you.
2. Words – can do a lot
You’re on a role, you feel good, everyone is listening- except the guy you stayed up late last night, and then, the unthinkable, you mispronounce a word! Then you panic, you are flustered, stumble, all is lost! Okay it is not the end of the world by any means. Unfortunately, being human, we may feel like it is sometimes. There are things you can do to prevent this:
a. If you don’t like the word – change it!! Yep, we have lots of words and most of them can be changed out. Unless it is a company name or product name most of the time you can find an alternative. My word is feminine, can’t use it. It trips me up every time. b. Big words – not always a good thing. If people need a dictionary to listen to your lecture, no one is listening. A well thought out lecture can contain normal every day words that everyone can relate to. Always know your audience and tailor the lecture accordingly. c. Reading – a no, no
Unless you are giving a book reading and review, reading is not a great way to get your information out. Most people can read, they do not need to be read to. Keep this in mind if you use note cards or power point. You only want the key points listed, this will prevent you from reading. If you must read, do not do it in a monotone voice, you will put them to sleep.
d. Umm – what
Get this word out of your vocabulary! Umm is the killer. Umm says “I am not prepared and forgot what I was going to tell you” or “that question is stupid and I don’t have an answer”
3. Attire – can be your enemy
You want to look your best for the occasion. We all do. Standing in front of a future employer, a group of people or a room of students is not the time to go out of your element. Attire should be age appropriate, non- distracting and most of all comfortable. Standing in front of people is self-awareness 101, you sure don’t want to be distracted by a waist band digging into your side, or a shirt cutting your circulation off. If your clothes are distracting to the audience, it may hinder your presentation. Tight fitting, cleavage showing and miniskirts are not appropriate presentation attire.
4. Examples – the way to connect
When presenting anything, make sure you have a couple of examples in your head. Examples are a great way to present information in 3D. it gives depth. Making the audience connect to the information is the way to sell it.
Job Interview – “I cut our department budget in half by researching new software. I found a great product that streamlined production…”
Motivating employees - “Last week Jeramy on the C line increased his production and was promoted to supervisor…”
Selling Product – “My son was excited when I told him that we were carrying the Humfy Potato truck, we played with it together for 2 hours….”
To be less personal, look into things people know; fairy tales, product lines or things in the news. The main thing is to get them to relate to the information.
5. Voice – It needs to be trained
Giving presentations on a regular basis can be difficult. Losing your voice an hour -in is common. Water is great, but also before you arrive, a peppermint candy helps a lot. If you present a short film, get another peppermint.
When you speak, speak clearly. A microphone can pick up on “dragging” words and “mumbles”, Make sure your voice carries to the back of the room if a microphone is not available (this can strain your voice as well). Look at your audience in the introduction and adjust your voice accordingly.
6. Stance – to relax or not to relax, that is the question
We have all seen the people that stand behind a podium, read, fidget and read. This is a hard one, sometimes it is appropriate, sometimes it is not. Judgment call. I personally hate to stand still. I like to move around. Moving around stops you from “reading”, it keeps the audience interested and you feel energized. I suggest whenever possible – MOVE!
Never, Never, Ever slump. Do not lean on something, do not prop yourself up on anything, either walk or stand. Remember you are conveying information in the most professional matter.
7. Closing – did ya hook em’
Wrapping things up is an art. You do not want to do the whole presentation over, just hit the high points and most important how the information pertains to them. No matter what the presentation is about, if the information is not retained it was a waist of everyone’s time. Be prepared for questions, on the stage and off. If you do not have the answer, get their information (email) and tell them you will send it to them. Remember you are here to provide information to them.
I hope these few ideas help. Public speaking and be exhilarating. Always come prepared, if need be postpone if you have to (not recommended).
Good luck! Remember you are the specialist, you are prepared and you are awesome!